Question:
: : Maybe we all over think this golf thing? : :Boy is that the understatement of the month. : :Still, I’m astonished every time I go to the range and see guys with :vast numbers of swing faults that even I can spot knock the crap out of :the ball. It just goes to show that there is a wide lattitude for what :will achieve a decent result. But doesn’t it gnaw on you how much better :your swing might be if it your mechanics were more ideal? : :The guy who gave you the advice on the range could have been me, I can :see a swing fault in somebody elses swing because I study my own swing 
n video as well as the pros. Problem is I just can’t execute the :swing the way I see it in my head yet. I’ve learned not to give :unsolicited advice on the range, but maybe he admired your swing so much :he couldn’t resist. : :I’m sure the guy won’t offer advice to anybody ever again since you got :your back up and challenged him to a duel. Serves him right, huh? I took up the game decades ago and worked hard to develop a good swing. I took it up again recently and I went out to the range with a colleague who’s a good golfer and he said I have a good swing. Didn’t hit balls for another 5 years again and took it up again a few months ago, putting, then hitting balls and I’ve played a couple rounds. I’m dieing for some advice/help on my swing. One guy gave me advice to strengthen my grip but I think he was full of it. That’s the only advice I’ve gotten. I’ve offered suggestions to a number of people and all but one thanked me, one profusely. One guy, after I asked him if I could offer some criticisms just said he’d rather I not, and I didn’t. I left thinking he was a fool. I know he’s very into his golf and I could have shown him a couple of glaring errors he was making but he didn’t even want to hear. I’d be all ears for any analysis of my swing.
Response:
: I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a : video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the : driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, : move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do : this? : :Yep, I did this on Saturday. (Didn’t go to the extra expense of :buying a tripod, I just put the camera on top of a trash can at the :driving range.) I put the camera in "sport" mode and videotaped my :swing from the front and behind. After each shot I moved up next to :the camera and talked about what I was trying to do, how the shot :felt, and where the ball actually went. I hit irons and my driver. : :After scoring 3 birdies and an eagle in my first 11 holes last week, I :was pretty sure I had fixed my swing problems. I was shocked and :dismayed to discover that my impact position was completely wrong. :I’m playing well right now, but this problem will surely lead to the :same inconsistency that made me basically give up the game 20 years :ago. : :Using the video camera I’m going to re-build my swing. (If I can find :a decent and affordable instructor that would be even better, but for :now I’m going to have to use the camera.) There’s no way I would be :able to work on my swing without the camera. Everything happens too :fast to see/feel what is *actually* going on… : :One other note about the Saturday taping: I was trying different :things with my swing: more wristy, bigger shoulder turn, starting the :downswing with my legs, etc. I was pretty sure that I was making BIG :changes from swing to swing, but comparing them on the videotape the :swings looked almost identical. The swing change I’m trying to make :is probably going to feel really strange at first. I’m going to try to do something like this for sure. A great instructor would be great, but a camera’s going to be cheaper and if I could only have one I’d choose the camera. I have studied the golf swing extensively and I think I will recognize most of the shortcomings in my swing immediately. I’m sure it will be a revelation. I’m very curious to see what I look like and compare that with what I think my swing is like. I will probably be rebuilding but I know I’m in rebuilding mode right now, anyway. I’m not surprised that your swing looked almost the same to you although you thought you were making "radical" changes. I think it’s a really good idea to see your swing, the raw material of what you are going to be dealing with when you try to remake your swing. When I get my camera I’m going to make a habit of occasionally recording and analyzing my swing.
Response:
: I figure that in the long run, the better my swing the better my golf. : Tiger had the tape of the masters but what can I do to get a tape of my : swing? I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a : video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the : driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, : move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do : this? : :Yes, but stock up on air sickness bags, you will need them when you :see your own swing for the first time That’s a good thing. If my swing actually sucks, and hopefully I will see the weaknesses of my swing, I can start taking steps to fix things. That’s what I need.
Response:
:Is it really a swing fault? Like Jack and Fred my elbow doesn’t fly at :impact. My body shape doesn’t allow me to straighten that elbow (it :causes pain). I agree that I have faults but, who doesn’t everyone’s :body is different due to age, injury, muscle, fat and height. As the :earlier poster said the test book swing is just a place to start. I :dont see the point in breaking down my swing and starting over. I was at the range yesterday and a guy came up and took the spot in front of me and he had a very nice powerful compact swing and I watched him. His drives were carrying up to 250 yards, possibly more at times. He had such nice high extension that it wasn’t possible to keep his right elbow tucked into his side. I wouldn’t say it flapped or flew, but he would have had to restrict the extension of his swing to hold his elbow close to his side.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow." My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my delts, plus my swing WORKS. As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
I really hate it when some hacker feels compelled to give unsolicited lessons on the driving range. On the other hand, one of the things that drove me to take lessons was when guys that I was playing with – and beating – started teasing me and laughing about my swing. I knew there probably was something really wrong at that point. Does the driver go straight too?
Response:
I figure that in the long run, the better my swing the better my golf. Tiger had the tape of the masters but what can I do to get a tape of my swing? I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do this?
Yeah, every few months. It feels kind of geeky at first, but what the heck. I’ve gotten a lot out of it. The angle showing you face on is just as important as the ones on your target line, so you’ll have to get to the very end of the range to set that up if the place is busy. Between the two you’ll discover a lot about your swing. Be sure to signal to the camera if you hit it well, topped or sliced it because you may not be able to see where the ball lands. Don’t be surprised if all those swings look exactly alike. <grin I’ve learned a lot from seeing how flat my swing plane was and how far behind my head my downswing started. Two ingredients for an over the top swing and wicked slice I’ve improved quite a bit on. Mostly now I study my set-up and my swing plane. I’ve compared my current swing with two years ago and have made a lot of progress but I still have a ways to go. . .
Response:
snip I figure that in the long run, the better my swing the better my golf. Tiger had the tape of the masters but what can I do to get a tape of my swing? I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do this?
I saw a little tip on the Golf Channel about this. To get the camera in the correct position from the rear view, they placed two shafts parallel to the target line (along the line of the golfer’s feet) and several feet apart. Then they moved the camera until both shafts were in the same line (i.e. the first shaft blocked the view of the second shaft). When they filmed the swing from the front, they did the same. Of course, once they got the camera aligned, the shafts were removed. It looked something like this: TARGET | shaft #2 | shaft #1 / Camera on tripod From the front view, TARGET two shafts camera | | <
Response:
Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
Boy is that the understatement of the month. Still, I’m astonished every time I go to the range and see guys with vast numbers of swing faults that even I can spot knock the crap out of the ball. It just goes to show that there is a wide lattitude for what will achieve a decent result. But doesn’t it gnaw on you how much better your swing might be if it your mechanics were more ideal? The guy who gave you the advice on the range could have been me, I can see a swing fault in somebody elses swing because I study my own swing on video as well as the pros. Problem is I just can’t execute the swing the way I see it in my head yet. I’ve learned not to give unsolicited advice on the range, but maybe he admired your swing so much he couldn’t resist. I’m sure the guy won’t offer advice to anybody ever again since you got your back up and challenged him to a duel. Serves him right, huh?
Response:
Is it really a swing fault? Like Jack and Fred my elbow doesn’t fly at impact. My body shape doesn’t allow me to straighten that elbow (it causes pain). I agree that I have faults but, who doesn’t everyone’s body is different due to age, injury, muscle, fat and height. As the earlier poster said the test book swing is just a place to start. I dont see the point in breaking down my swing and starting over.
Response:
I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do this?
Yep, I did this on Saturday. (Didn’t go to the extra expense of buying a tripod, I just put the camera on top of a trash can at the driving range.) I put the camera in "sport" mode and videotaped my swing from the front and behind. After each shot I moved up next to the camera and talked about what I was trying to do, how the shot felt, and where the ball actually went. I hit irons and my driver. After scoring 3 birdies and an eagle in my first 11 holes last week, I was pretty sure I had fixed my swing problems. I was shocked and dismayed to discover that my impact position was completely wrong. I’m playing well right now, but this problem will surely lead to the same inconsistency that made me basically give up the game 20 years ago. Using the video camera I’m going to re-build my swing. (If I can find a decent and affordable instructor that would be even better, but for now I’m going to have to use the camera.) There’s no way I would be able to work on my swing without the camera. Everything happens too fast to see/feel what is *actually* going on… One other note about the Saturday taping: I was trying different things with my swing: more wristy, bigger shoulder turn, starting the downswing with my legs, etc. I was pretty sure that I was making BIG changes from swing to swing, but comparing them on the videotape the swings looked almost identical. The swing change I’m trying to make is probably going to feel really strange at first.
Response:
I figure that in the long run, the better my swing the better my golf. Tiger had the tape of the masters but what can I do to get a tape of my swing? I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do this?
Yes, but stock up on air sickness bags, you will need them when you see your own swing for the first time
Response:
I figure that in the long run, the better my swing the better my golf. Tiger had the tape of the masters but what can I do to get a tape of my swing? I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do this? Yes, but stock up on air sickness bags, you will need them when you see your own swing for the first time
A digital video camera will be much easier to work with. Then, head over to www.v1golf.com, and download their free 15 day test drive of their home version of their golf swing analysis software. The software’s very easy to use, and if you decide to buy it, it’s very cheap. Larry
Response:
: I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a : goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight : but, you have a "flying elbow." : : My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least : with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots : fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play : well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? : When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my : delts, plus my swing WORKS. : : As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I : told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 : balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and : severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. : : Maybe we all over think this golf thing? : :Well just because you hit better then your neighbor doesn’t mean your :flying right elbow is not a swing fault. You can have 50 different :swing faults, you probably have less swing faults then your :neighbor,thats why you hit straighter. After Tiger demolished the :Masters record he said he detected 10 swing faults while watching the :tournament on tape and rebuilt his swing afterwards. : :Short answer, if you want to improve get rid of it, but be prepared to :shoot worse while changing. I figure that in the long run, the better my swing the better my golf. Tiger had the tape of the masters but what can I do to get a tape of my swing? I’ve been thinking of this and figure that the answer is to get a video camera, either a tape one or digital and set it on a tripod at the driving range, turn it on and start hitting balls. After a few balls, move the camera for a different angle and do the same, etc. Anybody do this?
Response:
As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
If it works for you, by all means run with it. Don’t change a thing. It doesn’t work at all for me, a flying elbow tends to make me push the club out instead of down and a horrendous slice occurs. I keep my elbow pointed down (down, not stapled to my rib cage) and I hit the ball square. I have a friend who currently cannot get off the tee with any club. He has a tremendous body turn combined with a severe flying elbow. When he is at the top, his right elbow is pointing almost straight up behind him and the club is way past parallel and across the target line by 45 degrees. He has never been able to hit any club longer than a 5-wood off the tee and even that club has an 80 yard right to left hook on it. He is currently completely stymied. He can’t even hit a short iron off the tee without snap-hooking it and he can’t figure out why. He doesn’t think he needs to correct his flying elbow either.
Response:
Neither Jack or Freddie are flying at impact, and both are on plane. That’s ultimately what matters. tim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Freddie Couples also has a flying elbow and knows it. He says it allows him to have more freedom and length in his swing…. All of his coaches left it alone…. As you know, most of the swing "rules" are meant to give the average golfer a place to start. If you can repeat your swing then you have it made. I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow." My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my delts, plus my swing WORKS. As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow." My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my delts, plus my swing WORKS. As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
Well just because you hit better then your neighbor doesn’t mean your flying right elbow is not a swing fault. You can have 50 different swing faults, you probably have less swing faults then your neighbor,thats why you hit straighter. After Tiger demolished the Masters record he said he detected 10 swing faults while watching the tournament on tape and rebuilt his swing afterwards. Short answer, if you want to improve get rid of it, but be prepared to shoot worse while changing.
Response:
Freddie Couples also has a flying elbow and knows it. He says it allows him to have more freedom and length in his swing…. All of his coaches left it alone…. As you know, most of the swing "rules" are meant to give the average golfer a place to start. If you can repeat your swing then you have it made. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow." My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my delts, plus my swing WORKS. As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow." My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my delts, plus my swing WORKS. As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
"Flying elbow – When the right elbow (for a right-handed golfer) is far away from the body on the downswing, usually meaning that the club is approaching the ball on an out-to-in path, thus causing the ball to slice. It was thought that anyone with a flying elbow could not play good golf until Jack Nicklaus flapped his way to being the greatest golfer in the history of the game."
Response:
I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow." My swing works for me I strike the ball with great accuracy, (at least with my irons)I would even dare to say that more than 85% of my shots fly straight. I find that if I stay TRUE to MY home-grown swing I play well. Do you guys think that I should worry about my flying elbow? When I would fight my swing and try to contol my elbow it strained my delts, plus my swing WORKS. As far as my unwanted coach I challenged him to a little contest. I told him to take out his 4 iron and I bet that he couldnt hit all 4 balls online with the 200 line marker. He proceeded to slice and severly miss while I hit all four of my shots pure and on target….. Maybe we all over think this golf thing?
Response:
I was at the range on friday with my father hitting balls and having a goodtime when my neighboring golfer says, "you hit the ball straight but, you have a "flying elbow."
I predict that fat kid from Ohio will go nowhere with that flying elbow. Sherman and Peabody